Facilities and Hours

The library and archive collections are available for study to qualified researchers and scholars, by appointment only. The Library is open weekdays (except Mondays and holidays) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Appointments

Appointments are arranged by the Museum’s Education and Research Manager, Bethany Dodson by email at bdodson@cowgirl.net, by phone 817-509-8665, or by mail at 1720 Gendy Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Appointments must be made in advance and will be granted depending on availability of staff and materials requested. Successful applicants must submit a user form describing their research project, read and sign a compliance form indicating that they understand the Library’s handling policies and procedures, show photo identification with current address, and sign the daily visitor’s register.

Library Usage

Access to Collections
Library and archive materials are in closed stacks and are non-circulating. Materials must be consulted in the area in which they are housed. The may not be removed from that area or from the premises.

Smoking, eating, and drinking are not allowed.

Extraordinary care must be exercised when using materials in the library. Many items are fragile, extremely valuable, and/or irreplaceable.

General Procedures
Only items considered essential research tools (e.g., pencil, paper, notebooks, laptop computers, etc.) are allowed in the Library. Scanners and cameras are not permitted. Backpacks, bags (including purses), briefcases, coats, computer bags, and other such items must be stored at the Security Station. Security personnel reserve the right to inspect all belongings when anyone enters or leaves the premises.

Reproduction of Materials
Requests for photocopies must be approved by the Research Manager or Collections Manager, and in certain circumstances, researchers must sign a copyright disclosure statement. Photocopying is restricted to published items and must adhere to copyright
law. The Library may decline a request to photocopy materials it considers too fragile or outside the “fair use” standard. Photocopies will be charged at $.25 for black/white copy and $.35 for color copy.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to request and obtain permission to publish materials from both the Museum (as owner of the original) and the copyright owner, if the Museum does not own the copyright.

When research is completed and results are published or made public by other means, the Museum shall receive a copy of resulting publications without charge.

Copyright Notice
The Museum makes no claim that it is the owner of any copyright in the materials contained in its archives. In providing access to such materials, the Museum does not assume any responsibility for obtaining or granting permission for publication or use. The responsibility for determining the nature and ownership of any rights and for obtaining the appropriate permissions to publish or use such materials rests entirely with the researcher.

Collections Usage

The researcher agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, its officers and employees, from and against all claims and actions arising out of the researcher’s use of the Library’s collections.

Research Services Agreement

If you can not visit the Library, a staff member will conduct research on your behalf at a minimum fee of $25.00 per hour. Research costs will also include photocopies at $.25 for black/white copy and $.35 for color copy per copy and shipping. Copies of the Research Services Agreement form can be obtained by calling the Museum or on the Museum’s web site.